Man who tried to break into mosque pleads guilty

February 8, 2019

WORCESTER, Mass. (AP) — A Massachusetts man who tried to break into a mosque nearly two years ago because he did not like Islam has been sentenced to time served.

The Telegram & Gazette reports that 32-year-old Andrew Burke was sentenced Friday after pleading guilty to charges including attempted breaking and entering with intent to commit a misdemeanor, and a civil rights violation.

Police say the Shrewsbury man was seen on security video approaching the Worcester Islamic Center, kicking at a glass door and trying to pry open the doors. He eventually left but was later arrested.

Police say after his April 2017 arrest Burke told officers he didn’t like Islam. A lawyer previously blamed his actions on mental illness.

Burke, who represented himself, told a judge Friday his psychotic episodes were caused by prescribed medications.